Which personnel are primarily involved in training the next generation of officers?

The primary personnel involved in training the next generation of officers are the commanding officer (CO) or officer in charge (OIC) and the executive officer (XO) or executive petty officer (XPO). These individuals hold positions of leadership and responsibility that position them as essential mentors for new officers.

The CO/OIC sets the overall tone and expectations for training and professional development within the unit, while the XO/XPO typically has direct involvement in the daily operations and training programs. Their experience and authority enable them to pass on knowledge, skills, and the operational philosophy necessary for effective leadership in the Coast Guard.

In contrast, while the senior management committee (SMC) and operational support chief (OSC) may play roles in training and development, their involvement is generally not as direct or consistent as that of the CO/OIC and XO/XPO. All crew members may contribute to a training environment through daily interactions and shared knowledge; however, they do not typically bear the same direct responsibility for training new officers within the structured program that the CO/OIC and XO/XPO do.